[responsive_youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gulHaCFjA_A]
This video captures the family-friendly Columbus Day celebrations at Christopher Columbus Park, organized by the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (FOCCP.org) on Sunday, October 9, 2011. Several neighborhood groups joined in with tables and events for neighborhood families to enjoy. NEMPAC ran their famous face-painting table, the Friends of the North End Branch Library were represented and there were lawn games early in the day led by FOCCP members using the Greenway Conservancy’s activity cart.
Organized events included theater in the park by City Stage Players performing an interactive children’s play, “Tall Tales of a Tall Ship.” The Wayne Martin Puppets brought lots of fun for the kids followed by amazing tricks by magician Peter O’Malley.
Leading up to the launch of the North End Parade, Grand Marshall Mayor Thomas M. Menino and other dignitaries gave a tribute at the statue of Christopher Columbus. Local officials were well represented with State Senator Anthony Petruccelli, State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, City Councilor Sal LaMattina and Councilors Felix Arroyo, John Connolly, Tito Jackson, Stephen Murphy and Ayanna Pressley. At the end of the video, a surprise guest also added some entertainment value before the officials and FOCCP leaders headed out for the parade.
